Commercial turkeys have been selectively bred for rapid muscle growth that causes serious health and welfare problems. Understanding these issues is essential for driving meaningful improvement.
The welfare situation for commercial turkeys is in many ways more extreme than for broiler chickens, as the selective breeding for rapid breast muscle growth has progressed even further. Turkeys are unable to support their own body weight comfortably, cannot mate naturally, and suffer high rates of painful leg and foot conditions throughout their short lives. The conditions in which most commercial turkeys are kept, including high stocking densities, barren environments, and chronic physical discomfort, constitute significant ongoing welfare compromise for billions of animals annually. The solutions are well understood: slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, environmental enrichment, and shorter growth periods. Consumer awareness of turkey welfare is generally lower than for chickens, creating an advocacy gap that welfare organisations are working to address.